tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57319610938417437142016-09-08T00:35:34.628-04:00More Than I Can ChewA blog about design... and procrastination.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-78010671259649892512011-01-07T21:09:00.000-05:002011-01-07T21:09:22.904-05:00Reality.I'm piggybacking on a post by the lovely mom of the <a href="http://home23duncanboys.blogspot.com/">Duncan Boys</a>, who recently blogged about <a href="http://home23duncanboys.blogspot.com/2011/01/blogging-my-truth.html">what she doesn't usually photograph</a> when taking pictures of her home. I noted in the comments section of her post that I'd planned to blog about this photograph:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TSfFTwJwhiI/AAAAAAAAAQk/gJJfyz9-1aI/s1600/Gwyneth-Paltrow-Vogue1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TSfFTwJwhiI/AAAAAAAAAQk/gJJfyz9-1aI/s640/Gwyneth-Paltrow-Vogue1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />This is Gwyneth Paltrow, photographed by Vogue, in a picture I found on <a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/">Hooked On Houses</a>. This photo struck me, because how often do you see a photo of a celebrity mother that shows evidence that she is, actually, a mother?<br /><br />I'm not talking about the photographs of the perfectly designed high end children's bedroom (which I have nothing against - would that a designer be interested in installing a high end children's bedroom - which one of my kid's bedrooms may I empty for you??). I'm not a person who wants to thumb through a shelter magazine and look at someone else's mess and junk. I have my own, thankyouverymuch. While I hear a lot of complaints about design photographs that don't show people's "stuff", I'm generally not one to join the braying. A design photograph should show me the design - I can then install it and bring my own messy living to the furnishings quite nicely. Nevertheless, there is something about Gwyneth's photo that called to me.<br /><br />The photograph doesn't even seem messy to me - it's just realistic. This is what a home that houses children looks like in the hours between waking and bedtime. Imperfect, yet vibrant. I like that Vogue and Ms. Paltrow decided it was okay to show the toys and boots and gave us, the readers, credit: we can still see the beauty of the home, we can still lust over that spectacular range hood, we can still note the brilliance of the white palette. A beautiful mess.<br /><br />Like life.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-76105438825022110862011-01-02T12:17:00.000-05:002011-01-02T12:17:41.293-05:00A Spot of Tea(Yes, I know this blog has been dormant for a while. There are reasons. Meanwhile....)<br /><br />I love tea, as in the activity. The drink is nice, too. A few months ago I finally got around to hosting a semi-formal tea (semi because I served tea buffet style). I spent a few months before that collecting a variety of teacups and saucers so that I could create an interesting display of china, invited my friends over, and ate my weight in confection dusted carbohydrates. Yum, tea.<br />&nbsp; <br />Missing from my efforts was the perfect teapot. What I'd like is a silver teapot, that I know for sure. What I'm unsure about is whether or not I'd like a silver sugar bowl and creamer to go with, or if I want to stick to my normal, white ceramic serving pieces for these. And I don't know if I want my silver teapot to be traditional, transitional, modern, eclectic... currently there are about five hundred teapots I'd like to have, so you can see how this might become an issue.<br /><br />I love the concept of this teapot... set it on the stove to boil, wait for the design to appear (indicating boiling water), and then use it to serve:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TSCuyaOAmiI/AAAAAAAAAQU/AFAgG6-FYu0/s1600/teapot13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TSCuyaOAmiI/AAAAAAAAAQU/AFAgG6-FYu0/s320/teapot13.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ONE Kettle</td></tr></tbody></table>But it's not silver, and I know eventually I'd resume the want for a shining vessel. Pottery Barn offers this gorgeous mirror polished plated teapot:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TSCvd8pvqVI/AAAAAAAAAQY/ziVS4sLfZ6o/s1600/PB+Teapot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TSCvd8pvqVI/AAAAAAAAAQY/ziVS4sLfZ6o/s320/PB+Teapot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />The elegance of a silver teapot is hard to top, although I need to do some research to figure out if there is anything to worry about as the teapot ages. The inside of an aged silverplated pot can look scary, and although the interior is generally not silver, I don't know what it is or if I should be drinking bits of it.<br /><br />Properly serving would mean a silver tea service, on an elegant silver tray:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TSCwN1_Y0FI/AAAAAAAAAQc/_89_jH2x9dI/s1600/silver-tea-set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TSCwN1_Y0FI/AAAAAAAAAQc/_89_jH2x9dI/s320/silver-tea-set.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />I love the ornate details of that set, but I have to admit even though I lean traditional, I might tire of the busyness of those pieces. Plus, I sense they'd be a nightmare to polish (especially since I get around to polishing the silver pieces I already own - a punchbowl, some candlesticks, coasters, jewelry) about once a year. Therefore, flat surfaces are a lot easier to bring to a shine).<br /><br />As much as I love tea, I was well into my thirties before I had it in a high tea setting for the first time, when my husband and I visited his grandmother in London. I said then and I repeat today that I could easily adapt to a country where it's perfectly acceptable to stop what you're doing in favor of scones at 3pm.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TSCyYGqbcHI/AAAAAAAAAQg/8gBYLm9DTJE/s1600/tea_biscuits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TSCyYGqbcHI/AAAAAAAAAQg/8gBYLm9DTJE/s320/tea_biscuits.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilmot Orchards</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Back in the States, my family tends to eat a big pancake breakfast on Sunday mornings that does not leave much room or desire for lunch. We graze in late afternoon with a sort of tea, nothing formal and certainly with no silver teapot (having not yet purchased one!), followed by a late, light dinner. My hope is that we get a little more formal about Sunday tea as I think it would be a nice tradition to pass down to my half-English children.<br /><br />But first... I must find and commit to a teapot.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-17496218601410811332010-09-14T11:06:00.001-04:002010-09-14T11:06:06.409-04:00Plug In Pendant LightsWhy do manufacturers think we want these? Do we?<br /><br />I think a hard wired pendant lamp is best, but I'm wondering if I'm missing something.<br /><br />Short post. Just wondering.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-53706197970431268342010-09-11T00:19:00.001-04:002010-09-11T00:27:09.872-04:00The Well Placed AccessoryWhile poking around on Facebook, I noticed the The Ritz-Carlton in the right hand navigation list, asking me to like its residences in downtown Baltimore at the Inner Harbor.<br /><br />I don't like pages on FB easily, but I will take a peek. I have no idea who the photography credits belong to or who is responsible for the design of each of the rooms below, but I hope I find out. Yummy yumminess - why am I living in the suburbs again? Oh - because I love my house, too, and will even more once it's finished. And kept sparkling. Note to self.<br /><br />But I digress. The Ritz-Carlton Residences at the Inner Harbor Baltimore:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rcr-baltimore.com/sites/default/files/main_photos/the-residences.jpg?1270754038" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://rcr-baltimore.com/sites/default/files/main_photos/the-residences.jpg?1270754038" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rcr-baltimore.com/sites/default/files/main_photos/formail-dining-room.jpg?1271047436" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://rcr-baltimore.com/sites/default/files/main_photos/formail-dining-room.jpg?1271047436" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rcr-baltimore.com/sites/default/files/main_photos/gourmet-kitchen.jpg?1271047669" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://rcr-baltimore.com/sites/default/files/main_photos/gourmet-kitchen.jpg?1271047669" width="400" /></a></div>&nbsp;That wallpaper in the kitchen. Swoon.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rcr-baltimore.com/sites/default/files/main_photos/master-bedroom.jpg?1271047799" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://rcr-baltimore.com/sites/default/files/main_photos/master-bedroom.jpg?1271047799" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rcr-baltimore.com/sites/default/files/main_photos/master-bathroom.jpg?1271048134" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://rcr-baltimore.com/sites/default/files/main_photos/master-bathroom.jpg?1271048134" width="400" /></a></div><br />You can see floor plans and get other details <a href="http://rcr-baltimore.com/">here</a>.<br /><br />One thing that always strikes me in model home rooms is the sense of restraint (well, usually). The well placed accessory carries so much more punch than a bunch of clutter strewn about. This is not a skill I've mastered. I really need a ten thousand square foot house to accommodate my need to shop and bring home decorative accessories. Seriously - I just bought an oil painting today. It's ridiculous.<br /><br />If I ever hire a designer, I will really only need them to edit and place my accessories. If I ever become a designer (shh! latent dream!) this will be my number one challenge - the biggest thing I need to master.<br /><br />The second biggest thing will be to squelch my desire to do something myself when I know good and well I need to hire a professional, but I am quite certain that's another post.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-44597274876677656742010-09-01T10:40:00.001-04:002010-09-01T10:40:55.745-04:00I'm Still HereWork has consumed a lot of time lately, so my projects are suffering, but I'm still here. Hope to get a few pics of a few things up and running on a few posts soon.<br /><br />Meanwhile, isn't this pretty?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TH5ls6TvkBI/AAAAAAAAAQI/ZnrT_aXsO9I/s1600/beautiful+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TH5ls6TvkBI/AAAAAAAAAQI/ZnrT_aXsO9I/s400/beautiful+living+room.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Decor Pad</td></tr></tbody></table>Eye candy gets me through the busy times.<br /><br />Have a great day.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-87045102473637975012010-08-06T22:15:00.002-04:002010-08-06T22:15:50.819-04:00At This Very Moment....My husband is installing new cabinet pulls in the kitchen. I cannot tell you what a difference this small fix makes. Will have to post about it.<br /><br />Yes, this is our Friday night. We are rockin' and rollin' people.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-25060301948048482010-08-03T22:28:00.000-04:002010-08-03T22:28:41.832-04:00You Learn Something New....I have already run into four thousand problems with my doorknob idea.<br /><br />They are not the problems I assumed I would have.<br /><br />I assumed that, because I was buying vintage doorknobs, I might have a problem fitting them onto my modern doors, which already have holes and whatnot cut out to support the existing doorknobs. So I measured once, then measured again, then chuckled to myself because I figured I was beating some system and as long as the math added up, I'd be fine.<br /><br />Welp - totally forgot about the different doorknob types.<br /><br />There are passage/dummy doorknobs, which exist only to pull or push open a door, and have no locking mechanism. There are privacy doorknobs, which do have a locking mechanism. There are more types, but these two are sufficient detail for the problem I've encountered with my beautiful vintage doorknob set. It arrived today.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TFjPfCb5nEI/AAAAAAAAAP4/z4w663nYCL4/s1600/ByozwwEGkKGrHqQOKjIEwQQ29-EBMRcr7wNg_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TFjPfCb5nEI/AAAAAAAAAP4/z4w663nYCL4/s320/ByozwwEGkKGrHqQOKjIEwQQ29-EBMRcr7wNg_3.JPG" /></a></div>'It's beautiful. It's vintage. It fits over the existing hole.<br /><br />It does not have a locking mechanism, and I only have exactly what you see above. You see, that vintage doorknob is designed to be used with an actual key. See the keyhole? It's not decorative. It once worked.<br /><br />Therefore, the interior fittings do not have the locking thingie that goes in the doorjamb. I have no single doors that are passage only and don't require a lock. Not a single one. I have two sets of french doors, one of which has passage doorknobs, but...the set above is not just passage. The knobs have that... stick thing... that needs to go into a hole in the door. And I'm not sure I'm up to the task of carving out a doorknob hole, plus it would leave raw metal sticking out one side if I tried to divide the set to use on both doors.<br /><br />If this is not making any sense, it's because I need to go to bed. Bah, humbug.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-84613778076009558752010-08-01T21:54:00.001-04:002010-08-01T21:56:40.179-04:00Thomas PheasantI love him.<br /><br />Well, I love his work, to be clear, having never met him and already being quite in love with someone else, my husband. But if both my husband and Thomas Pheasant were standing in my driveway, begging me to allow one of them to design my living room, I'm afraid I'd have to send my husband off on an errand.<br /><br />In my defense, if they were both begging for a kiss, my husband would win.<br /><br />I can't remember who or what introduced me to Thomas Pheasant, a DC based designer that I would love to just answer the phones for, because I know his offices must be splendid. I mean, look:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TFYjQVaBXZI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/VBGtM1ObO9g/s1600/Thomas+Pheasant+in+Architectural+Digest+IV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TFYjQVaBXZI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/VBGtM1ObO9g/s320/Thomas+Pheasant+in+Architectural+Digest+IV.jpg" /></a></div><br />Yes, that's him, but it's the lamp I can't tear my eyes from. And I love that he found that horse, which is slightly ridiculous, and brought it into that space and poof! Now it's fabulous.<br /><br />All his rooms just feel like spaces I could be in for a long time. So that's why I love him.<br /><br />Er, love his work. :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TFYjkJ9_KYI/AAAAAAAAAPY/QqxtpXQ06QE/s1600/Thomas+Pheasant+in+Architectural+Digest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TFYjkJ9_KYI/AAAAAAAAAPY/QqxtpXQ06QE/s320/Thomas+Pheasant+in+Architectural+Digest.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TFYjlH265ZI/AAAAAAAAAPg/byvd3hMzHA8/s1600/Thomas+Pheasant+in+Architectural+Digest+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TFYjlH265ZI/AAAAAAAAAPg/byvd3hMzHA8/s320/Thomas+Pheasant+in+Architectural+Digest+II.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TFYjmmma8FI/AAAAAAAAAPo/qWM83XKE114/s1600/Thomas+Pheasant+in+Architectural+Digest+III.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TFYjmmma8FI/AAAAAAAAAPo/qWM83XKE114/s320/Thomas+Pheasant+in+Architectural+Digest+III.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TFYjoCltnMI/AAAAAAAAAPw/pqutZqgI8e0/s1600/Thomas+Pheasant+in+Architectural+Digest+V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TFYjoCltnMI/AAAAAAAAAPw/pqutZqgI8e0/s320/Thomas+Pheasant+in+Architectural+Digest+V.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">All images from Architectural Digest.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">One of the things that stands out about his rooms, to me, is how he blends traditional leaning items with modern. This is my life's goal, as I am married to a man who loves modern items and, design wise, is in fact somewhat of a minimalist. Compare this to my traditional leanings, complete with braided trim and rooms stuffed with furniture, books and art.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I believe that a harmonious relationship is reflected in your environment as well. I remember reading an interview with Jennifer Aniston, immediately post-Brad, in which she noted that at least now, she could buy a comfortable couch (apparently Brad likes hard, angular furniture, while she is more slip covered Shabby Chic. At least that's what I gleaned). Therefore, it wouldn't be fair for me to bury our house in antique, sculpted armoires atop Persian rugs, even if they are hand woven and unmatched in beauty by any other type rug in the world. Ahem. The least I can do is toss a clean lined armoire on top of the Persian rug.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">And that is something Thomas Pheasant would do. Albeit better.</span>Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-51043299993702792002010-07-27T21:47:00.002-04:002010-07-27T21:50:49.040-04:00Decision: DoorknobsWhen I started this blog, I said I was going to focus on getting small projects completed, so I could then move on to large projects. So far, my posts have been a mishmash of both... certainly, replacing one lighting fixture is a small project, but replacing the lion's share in the house? That's a larger project.<br /><br />So I guess I should redefine small, which in my mind are projects I can mostly do myself. Larger projects, like replacing our exterior siding, and while we're at it, the windows, building a porch, renovating the kitchen, renovating our master bathroom, repainting the entire interior, landscaping, installing drainage, replacing the garage doors (this list is starting to depress me, so I'll stop): those things are for some nice contractor to worry his pretty little head about, with my just picking out materials and colors.<br /><br />So, in the small project vein, I'm happy to report that I've decided what I want to do about doorknobs. Actually, I'm returning to my original desire, which was to have different vintage doorknobs throughout the house.<br /><br />I do love me some vintage doorknobs:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TE-HKVhvtnI/AAAAAAAAAOg/jt2cci5LV-o/s1600/Antique_door_knob.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TE-HKVhvtnI/AAAAAAAAAOg/jt2cci5LV-o/s320/Antique_door_knob.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Lovetoknow.com</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TE-HoJGIKSI/AAAAAAAAAOo/rlIHZUxvDHc/s1600/crystal-door-knob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TE-HoJGIKSI/AAAAAAAAAOo/rlIHZUxvDHc/s320/crystal-door-knob.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TE-HrvyPHxI/AAAAAAAAAOw/8QnmT5OJUD4/s1600/dsbdoor2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TE-HrvyPHxI/AAAAAAAAAOw/8QnmT5OJUD4/s320/dsbdoor2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TE-IHB6RMYI/AAAAAAAAAO4/0mPvvWwGh38/s1600/antique-door-knobs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TE-IHB6RMYI/AAAAAAAAAO4/0mPvvWwGh38/s320/antique-door-knobs.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Images: http://atincupchalice.com</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />It would probably be less time consuming and slightly less expensive to find reproduction doorknobs, but I don't want reproductions. I want the nicked, tarnished, flaking paint patina of a doorknob that actually lived in an old house once. This will require some extensive eBay hunting, patience, and yes - learning how to test paint for lead. I might have to have paint removed from some of them.<br /><br />I'm therefore quite happy to report I won my first vintage doorknob on eBay this morning.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TE-LLNTUv8I/AAAAAAAAAPI/Ut4UMLH8rwM/s1600/ByozwwEGkKGrHqQOKjIEwQQ29-EBMRcr7wNg_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TE-LLNTUv8I/AAAAAAAAAPI/Ut4UMLH8rwM/s320/ByozwwEGkKGrHqQOKjIEwQQ29-EBMRcr7wNg_3.JPG" /></a></div>I'm pretty sure this is the new handle for the coat closet downstairs. It's the closest door to the front door, and I've (pretty much) decided to just go one door at a time, working my way through the house.<br /><br />I should be done in five or six years. :P<br /><br />Can't wait for my doorknob to arrive!Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-6499785275544459142010-07-26T16:14:00.000-04:002010-07-26T16:14:26.216-04:00Mid-Century Modern, the ChorusIt's fitting that a day after the season premier of Mad Men I should run into this mid-century decorated doctor's waiting room(I don't know whether I want to work for Don Draper or make an honest man out of him. I'd decline the latter based on my being married, but it seems, unfortunately, that that would make me exactly his type. But I digress).<br /><br />I love the chairs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TE3rfrGjXCI/AAAAAAAAAOY/uOvdEDjdQqw/s1600/629Bucks-WaitingRoom-blogSpan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TE3rfrGjXCI/AAAAAAAAAOY/uOvdEDjdQqw/s400/629Bucks-WaitingRoom-blogSpan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image from <a href="http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/">the Bucks blog</a>.</span><br /><br />I also like the coffee table, the artwork, the planter (I could see that on my deck) and the rug. The colors also work nicely. This is from an article detailing how you can punish doctors who keep you waiting, but this would rank fairly high on my list of waiting rooms.<br /><br />Well, technically, it would rank number two, behind one I saw recently in Owings Mills, Maryland, that made great use of mod fabric (sorry, no photos). Otherwise, I'd have to admit I haven't run across many design noteworthy physician waiting rooms, but one can always hope.<br /><br />Be well. :)Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-51831411563240994662010-07-21T17:22:00.001-04:002010-07-21T22:37:43.059-04:00Photo TheftI had to do it.<br /><br />I love everything about the room below, so it was physically impossible for me to not right click on it, snatch it from the wonderful blog <a href="http://www.houseofturquoise.com/">House of Turquoise</a> (if you love blue and do not read House of Turquoise everyday, you are leading an unfulfilled life) and hurl it with amazing speed onto my own blog. I want it to rest here so I can easily find it again and show it off. I <i>need </i>it to rest here.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TEdj6QdtvjI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/PS9j1Q1l6lo/s1600/938788246_34Lbt-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TEdj6QdtvjI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/PS9j1Q1l6lo/s400/938788246_34Lbt-O.jpg" width="400" /><i>H</i></a></div>I love the symmetry.<br />I love the bold use of the very ornate sideboard and hutch (will that much going on, are they still just a sideboard and hutch?).<br />I love the playful, bold fabric on the chairs, which marries the traditional styled chair with a contemporary feel.<br />I love the doors - I want to propose to the doors and bear their children... sixteen of them, in fact, which is the number of interior doors in my own house.<br />I love the window treatments.<br />I always thought I disliked the fake candlestick chandeliers, until I saw it here. Love.<br />Love the gilt edged mirror. Life without a little gilt is boring.<br />Love the cream walls.<br />Love the painted ceiling. The ceiling alone makes me want to run out and buy paint, and subject my family to all sorts of fumes TONIGHT. We are having a heatwave in the Mid-Atlantic; opening windows is out of the question.<br /><br />I love this dining room. Would that mine become even a shadow. Thank you to House of Turquoise (and designer Caldwell Flake, I believe) for sharing.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-36224870444134962962010-07-17T18:13:00.000-04:002010-07-17T18:13:35.636-04:00Mid-Century ModernI pay a lot of attention to set design when I'm watching a movie or television show. Often, I'm paying more attention to the decor than I am the plot - I've been known to rewind a movie to catch the dialogue because when Starlet whispered to Leading Man, I was too busy admiring her sofa to hear what she said.<br /><br />For the record, I love furniture and I love design: almost all of it. Wanting to live with it all the time and being able to admire it are, for me, two distinctly separate things. I don't want to live in a cottage/country home, but I can walk into one styled that way and swoon with the best of them. Likewise, the gilt-rich furnishings of the White House's historical rooms would be too much for me to encounter every day, but that doesn't stop me from lingering on every photo of every side table and settee, thinking about the craftsmanship and wondering about the hand of the fabric. There are few design styles I dislike altogether.<br /><br />Which brings me to mid-century modern. More and more, I've come to realize that when I'm watching an episode of Mad Men, or a movie set in the fifties and sixties, I love the furniture. Sure, some of the plaids are screaming for Marsha and Jan Brady and occasionally, the stain of the wood seems dated, but overall, the crisp, clean lines of mid-century modern always look classic to me, like they could be dropped into a 2010 house and play the role of a newly purchased piece just fine.<br /><br />So, some eye candy:<br /><br />The character Don Draper's office, in AMC's Mad Men <span style="font-size: x-small;">(image found on halcyon.com):</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TEIoePg9V6I/AAAAAAAAANw/nfF8pqruFgU/s1600/DonsOffice+in+Mad+Men,+halcyon+house+design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TEIoePg9V6I/AAAAAAAAANw/nfF8pqruFgU/s400/DonsOffice+in+Mad+Men,+halcyon+house+design.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">An Elle living room, image sourced from Apartment Therapy:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TEIorGx4kII/AAAAAAAAAN4/M-fK43sEm_Q/s1600/07-01-08-+Elle+LIving+Room+-+Apartment+Therapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TEIorGx4kII/AAAAAAAAAN4/M-fK43sEm_Q/s400/07-01-08-+Elle+LIving+Room+-+Apartment+Therapy.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">From Metropolitan Home:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TEIpC3Pqb4I/AAAAAAAAAOA/OpHzHX9w6IQ/s1600/Metropolitan+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TEIpC3Pqb4I/AAAAAAAAAOA/OpHzHX9w6IQ/s400/Metropolitan+Home.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">From blog.vastudc:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TEIpKOsr1MI/AAAAAAAAAOI/0CJwymPTQ9U/s1600/mid-century-modern_ansel-olsen+-+blog.vastudc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TEIpKOsr1MI/AAAAAAAAAOI/0CJwymPTQ9U/s320/mid-century-modern_ansel-olsen+-+blog.vastudc.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll probably always prefer to live in rooms that are a mix of traditional and modern - this girl needs a little bit of gilt - but if I had to choose a very close, second runner up: it would be mid century modern, purely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">From Lookliloos.com: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lookiloos.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/images/6a00d83479fc3f69e2010536c0e06a970c-pi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://www.lookiloos.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/images/6a00d83479fc3f69e2010536c0e06a970c-pi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It is entirely possible my admiration for mid century design stems from the chairs, since I have a bad, bad thing for chairs - more on that later.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-1342450566709230692010-07-11T21:39:00.003-04:002010-07-27T21:51:13.396-04:00DoorknobsI've always known I would replace the doorknobs in our house. They are builder's grade brass - boring. They are probably one of the first things I notice as "off" in our rooms, yet they are the last thing I think about in the hardware store. I think my husband must be brainwashing me.<br /><br />Luckily, two of the doorknobs in our house have broken. Yay! Doorknob shopping that requires no explanation. You must have doorknobs.<br /><br />What I'm trying to decide now are what kind of doorknobs to get. While I think my house flows, we do not have the same metal finishes in each room. The room I'm sitting in right now, the dining room, has antique gold window treatment hardware. Our office has black drapery rods. The kitchen cabinets are in the process of getting stainless steel pulls (more on that later). Our bedroom has oil rubbed bronze hardware; the basement has brushed nickel, as does one son's room. My other son's room has black hardware and my daughter's room sports white curtain rods. Somehow, it all works; I suspect it's because the rooms are large enough that they don't really seem like one unit, even while being somewhat open to each other. Each room is very much its own personality, but the decorating style in each makes them all family.<br /><br />My choices seem to be finding a finish that relates to all that and using it throughout, using a different but coordinating finish on each level, or even more deeply mixing and matching. For instance, I could do a doorknob in one finish on the public facing side of a bedroom door, and a second finish on the interior side.<br /><br />I have no idea. And it's a big job, because I can't just change the doorknobs - I will have to change and/or paint the lock jamb thingie and the hinges.<br /><br />Hmm. Maybe it's a good thing only two doorknobs have broken.<br /><br />I have always liked glass doorknobs, since my late Aunt had them in her Tudor style home in New Jersey (someday I will have to do a post on Aunt Shirley, who was responsible for immersing both my mother and me in the love of interior design).<br /><br />But glass doorknobs can scream Victorian:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TDpzEcV8jpI/AAAAAAAAANg/GIuLKJw-AXw/s1600/Victorian+Glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TDpzEcV8jpI/AAAAAAAAANg/GIuLKJw-AXw/s320/Victorian+Glass.jpg" /></a></div><br />As these do to me. There is nothing about my house that speaks Victorian. With the right decor, I think those could also do well in a beach house, but despite actually living in a beach house, our home has coastal touches but I"m not sure if it's beachy enough to carry that ornate glass knob.<br /><br />Then I found these:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TDpzf_jIy7I/AAAAAAAAANo/5h9cPL8ZdoQ/s1600/plain+glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TDpzf_jIy7I/AAAAAAAAANo/5h9cPL8ZdoQ/s320/plain+glass.jpg" /></a></div><br />That, to me, is stunning doorknob. It does exactly what I always hope an item will do - meet Traditional Me and Modern Husband halfway in the middle. It's clean AND pretty. I love it - trouble is, I found it on a http://www.housetohome.co.uk. Darn UK. Shipping could be pricey and I don't even know the base price. I will have to investigate.<br /><br />After I posted this, I realized what I'd love to do is have a plain glass doorknob against a doorplate that coordinated with whatever metal was going on in the room, perhaps aged. I think doorplates help a glass doorknob not disappear anyway, and the right plate shape could further pull the glass doorknob away from traditional and into a little more current, a bit coastal, somewhat...okay, somewhat beachy.<br /><br />Definitely have some investigating to do.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-85001576834061372682010-07-10T12:38:00.000-04:002010-07-10T12:38:21.333-04:00The Light On The Ceiling Goes Round and Round....Technically, I dislike ceiling fans. They are not an aesthetic favorite, and I have a hard time finding ones I like, beyond the big Tommy Bahama looking ones that lazily swirl over porches - those I like. Having neither a porch nor a porch ceiling, they are nothing like the ones I have, and so I'm contemplating replacing them.<br /><br />Well, that's not true. I *know* I want to replace them, but I'm not sure with what. There really is no substitute for the delicious breezes they create, so I've made peace with the three ceiling fans we have in our master bedroom, living room and kitchen. I just haven't made peace with the brass fittings and walnut veneered blades the master bedroom and living room fans have, and I'm only eh about the all white version in the kitchen.<br /><br />Because I don't love them, finding a replacement is going to be tricky. My "perfect light" is a lamp with a beautiful shade on a table. All other lighting - let's just say I'm no easy date, since I'm already shopping outside my lamp on the table preferences.<br /><br />But there are a few contenders. All these are from Lamps Plus, and let me tell you: scrolling through nineteen pages of ceiling fans is no pleasant task. I need to make a new rule: once you've found something you like, you can stop looking. Too bad I'm looking for three different rooms, however.<br /><br />Anyway. This one hides the blades a bit, a concept I really like. It's a little too...something for me, though. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TDigqmz4yuI/AAAAAAAAAMw/kuoln2mbjeA/s1600/concealed+blades+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TDigqmz4yuI/AAAAAAAAAMw/kuoln2mbjeA/s320/concealed+blades+one.jpg" /></a></div><br />This also conceals the blades, and could possibly be a contender in the kitchen, depending on what we decide to do there.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TDig9IZKpiI/AAAAAAAAAM4/76Ci6Wavi6Q/s1600/concealed+blades+two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TDig9IZKpiI/AAAAAAAAAM4/76Ci6Wavi6Q/s320/concealed+blades+two.jpg" /></a></div>That last one also seems like a cute addition to my son's room, and as long as we're talking boy - the next is probably the first ceiling fans I've ever seen and dubbed as adorable:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TDihLEqAtfI/AAAAAAAAANA/ceRpBtI46bM/s1600/John%27s+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TDihLEqAtfI/AAAAAAAAANA/ceRpBtI46bM/s320/John%27s+Room.jpg" /></a></div><br />Very aerial.<br /><br />Back to the grownup spaces... the three blade fans seem to really be catching my eye:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TDihXYJR0xI/AAAAAAAAANI/dhKGuzz7oaM/s1600/three+blade+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TDihXYJR0xI/AAAAAAAAANI/dhKGuzz7oaM/s320/three+blade+one.jpg" /></a></div><br />They seem sleek and unobtrusive. Less obtrusive, even, than a white ceiling fan, which theoretically should "disappear" into the ceiling, but from my experience, does not. So if you're going to see it anyway, it may as well have some ooomph.<br /><br />This one is similar, but with a darker shade, which I think improves it:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TDihr-FaL3I/AAAAAAAAANQ/am850QAsEbE/s1600/three+blade+two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TDihr-FaL3I/AAAAAAAAANQ/am850QAsEbE/s320/three+blade+two.jpg" /></a></div><br />Last, this one brings a coastal vibe I really like. I'm wondering if it's too casual for my living room, but it could probably work well in my bedroom:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TDih3RI5XTI/AAAAAAAAANY/pwL2b_ZnGOI/s1600/coastal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TDih3RI5XTI/AAAAAAAAANY/pwL2b_ZnGOI/s320/coastal.jpg" /></a></div><br />Some of these may be a hard sell to my husband, so we shall see.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-2955169421660714452010-06-23T16:54:00.000-04:002010-06-23T16:54:50.738-04:00Happy Little FindsWhile we simmer here in the Mid-Atlantic's summer humidity, allow me to post a few little recent finds that have made me happy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TCJwSNbZE4I/AAAAAAAAAMA/UVhrSN5bcXk/s1600/Windows+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TCJwSNbZE4I/AAAAAAAAAMA/UVhrSN5bcXk/s320/Windows+001.jpg" /></a></div><br />This oil painting just spoke to me. I don't know why. It's a painting of what appears to be the beginning of a walk or a driveway, and the home appears coastal... sandy terrain, a shabby beach fence behind the mailbox.<br /><br />It's one of the few things that I have bought recently that break my new rule: know where you will put it before you buy it. I just liked it. I came home and tried it out in our entryway, our basement family room, and finally our master bedroom over the bed, where it now looks as if it was born there. The frames there before, photography, were not appropriately scaled. This feels much better to me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TCJw70rQuwI/AAAAAAAAAMI/VT8BelWF0dQ/s1600/Windows+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TCJw70rQuwI/AAAAAAAAAMI/VT8BelWF0dQ/s320/Windows+002.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />This is the second (of only two!) rule breaker - this unique little lamp. It was difficult for no photography skills me to really capture all that's going on with this finish. It's brown, it's blue, it's iridescent, it's making me grin every time I see it.<br /><br />Unlike the painting, I knew where it was going before I got all the way home, however. It's sitting in my soon to be little craft/project space. More to come on that later. And I think I'll be replacing the shade.<br /><br />The rest are unique pillows. From Tommy Bahama:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TCJxdg1dQJI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/rl5VvAI3XNM/s1600/Windows+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TCJxdg1dQJI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/rl5VvAI3XNM/s320/Windows+003.jpg" /></a></div>Am I a message on the furniture type girl? Not usually, I thought this was not overbearing, and kind of fell into that casual elegance feeling I like.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TCJxks9B4oI/AAAAAAAAAMo/Mw0UUAuF2Kc/s1600/Windows+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TCJxks9B4oI/AAAAAAAAAMo/Mw0UUAuF2Kc/s320/Windows+006.jpg" /></a></div><br />The stitching on this one attracted me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TCJxgMHlD-I/AAAAAAAAAMY/bg9y1VAEg5Y/s1600/Windows+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TCJxgMHlD-I/AAAAAAAAAMY/bg9y1VAEg5Y/s320/Windows+004.jpg" /></a></div><br />No one is going to lay down and snuggle this one, with it's stiff floral embellishment, but I liked it anyway. At any rate, people in my house tend to toss the throw pillows onto the floor, so comfort was not a deal breaker here.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TCJxideyywI/AAAAAAAAAMg/jUBradhnus8/s1600/Windows+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TCJxideyywI/AAAAAAAAAMg/jUBradhnus8/s320/Windows+005.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Again, I couldn't capture the true beauty here. The wonderful top blends a suede like material with cotton, and reminds me of lace. A plain white band separates that from the corded bottom. And I love the colors.<br /><br />Shopping is ridiculously fun.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-75063418840676096772010-06-13T17:50:00.000-04:002010-06-13T17:50:18.288-04:00Let There Be LightWith the exception of a few recessed can lights and my dining room chandy, every single ceiling light fixture in my house needs to be replaced.<br /><br />The current fixtures are mostly some variation of this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TBVOS2klBvI/AAAAAAAAALo/HrWMP9AKfOw/s1600/Light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TBVOS2klBvI/AAAAAAAAALo/HrWMP9AKfOw/s320/Light.jpg" /></a></div>Lowe's is selling them for four dollars. That's if you buy them individually. I have a feeling the person who built/rehabbed our house got a bunch of them for a lot less, and he put them everywhere. The kitchen. The hallways. The bedrooms.&nbsp; Where he didn't install a ceiling fan (of equal value, of course), he tossed up these lights.<br /><br />I don't like them. <br /><br />The good news is that they are so bland that they almost fade away. At least that's what I'm hoping. The bad news is, well, take a look at the four dollar bargain bin light again, and you won't have to be told what the bad news is.<br /><br />So along with my other projects, I'm on the hunt for lighting. I want crisp pieces that compliment my decor while adding a soft punch. I don't want them to overwhelm, or necessarily be a full on focal point. I just want them to be another layer, a finishing touch on each room.<br /><br />I love lighting, and my house is filled with lamps, lamps and more lamps. Those are so easy: buy, screw in bulb, walk away. Ceiling fixtures require a little more effort (mainly by my husband, aka our house electrician). They require scheduling and installation. Therefore, the time between this post and the final installation of all the lights will be lengthy... but more now, I am content to peruse the options.<br /><br />Considering for the halls:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TBVQnqY9NxI/AAAAAAAAALw/gbi1ABHA1QU/s1600/J9323.fpx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TBVQnqY9NxI/AAAAAAAAALw/gbi1ABHA1QU/s320/J9323.fpx.jpg" /></a></div><br />I think this light from Lamps Plus is a beautiful, beautiful neutral. My husband is less than sold on them. I either have to work on him, or fall equally in love with other options. I haven't gotten him to give me any options yet, but I suspect he wants something more utilitarian, like this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TBVRlIPlNcI/AAAAAAAAAL4/Nj5P9_F2Mh4/s1600/K1069.fpx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TBVRlIPlNcI/AAAAAAAAAL4/Nj5P9_F2Mh4/s320/K1069.fpx.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Frankly, that's so similar to my current four dollar specials, I could just spray paint their casings and have the same thing. Which actually is an option... perhaps an oil rubbed bronze paint? I'm not sure that will satisfy me.<br /><br />I'm scrolling through Lamps Plus as I write this post, and all the lights I'm attracted to are along the same lines as the first one I posted. Round, a hint of color, sort of mid-century in feel.<br /><br />Yep. Gonna have to work on the husband.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-87785687345034933732010-05-31T15:59:00.000-04:002010-05-31T15:59:59.663-04:00Hmmm.The more photos of my daughter's room I see, the more I question my window treatment decision. I'm still mourning the absence of a funky, graphic print for her curtains.<br /><br />Her curtains are just so... I don't know.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAQUUrVUp8I/AAAAAAAAALQ/YdOToy6JIYM/s1600/Windows+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAQUUrVUp8I/AAAAAAAAALQ/YdOToy6JIYM/s320/Windows+001.jpg" /></a></div><br />They are tailored and do not appear as shiny in person as they in the photos, although they are a faux silk. They just aren't as fun as I imagined.&nbsp; My imagination ran somewhere more to this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAQUlk72XgI/AAAAAAAAALY/p3yE5baLVs4/s1600/hot-blossom-fabrics-by-josephine-kimberling-on-flickr-photo-sharing-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAQUlk72XgI/AAAAAAAAALY/p3yE5baLVs4/s320/hot-blossom-fabrics-by-josephine-kimberling-on-flickr-photo-sharing-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />I found this fabric bundle during a Google image search; the fabric is by Josephine Kimberling.<br /><br />Also love this bundle:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAQU5q5qvlI/AAAAAAAAALg/N3oRUnNrfPM/s1600/kaffe-fassett-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAQU5q5qvlI/AAAAAAAAALg/N3oRUnNrfPM/s320/kaffe-fassett-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />I believe the designer there is Kaffe Fassett.<br /><br />Fun, fun prints. If I want, I can repurpose the curtains in her room to our lower level family room, which also has yellow walls and blue accents (of course, I am eyeing prints for that room, too).<br /><br />So we shall see. Maybe as the room comes together I'll fall in love with them a little more.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-44178860644742435162010-05-29T19:38:00.003-04:002010-05-29T19:40:34.891-04:00Experiments and FrustrationI feel like I need to place a paragraph of apologies in this post, but suffice it to say: I haven't become a world class photographer since the last time I posted.<br /><br />So.<br /><br />I finally hung two of the prints I had for my daughter's room.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAGhiFrwu-I/AAAAAAAAAKA/kByEdZVgNc0/s1600/Windows+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAGhiFrwu-I/AAAAAAAAAKA/kByEdZVgNc0/s320/Windows+003.jpg" /></a></div><br />The Experiment part:<br /><br />They are really close together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAGhe0vx-BI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/-wv1Jv4YJ5k/s1600/Windows+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAGhe0vx-BI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/-wv1Jv4YJ5k/s320/Windows+002.jpg" /></a></div><br />This is on purpose. I didn't want to hang them too high, but I also didn't want the lowest one to be too low, because frankly, I'm not sure my just barely 2.5 year old daughter and son can handle the responsibility of art in a room they spend unsupervised time in (as in, sleeping at night, waking up in the morning).<br /><br />I hung the sturdiest one (I'll explain that during the frustration part) on the bottom, hoping that if they touch it and realize it doesn't come off, they will lose interest. Meanwhile, I'm leaving the opposite side of the window bare until I learn more about the combination of this low hanging art and my toddlers. I find it better to introduce new things a bit at a time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAGiQnM6NNI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/I_ww__H7IQo/s1600/Windows+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAGiQnM6NNI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/I_ww__H7IQo/s320/Windows+005.jpg" /></a></div><br />I am very pleased with how the frames work with the shutters and the curtain rod, even if it is very easy to work with and sometimes boring white:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAGhlWwKQmI/AAAAAAAAAKI/kwNGraILsFk/s1600/Windows+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAGhlWwKQmI/AAAAAAAAAKI/kwNGraILsFk/s320/Windows+004.jpg" /></a></div><br />And now, for the Frustration part:<br /><br />I have such a hard time hanging things, particularly framed art. It really frustrates me. And when I read about people who very easily accomplish it by laying out the art on the floor first and deciding placement, I just get even more frustrated, because that never. ever. works for me.<br /><br />Why?<br /><br />I have yet to buy two frames that are exactly evenly weighted and hang exactly the same way on a wall. It has literally never happened to me. All the frames used for this project are from Michael's, and they are the exact same frame, yet the center of gravity for each frame is totally different.<br /><br />Even though I decided placement before hanging them, I still had to move the screw (for the hanging apparatus on these frames, I prefer the grip of a screw. I'll take a photo of it when I hang the next two). I started by using a ruler and level to place the screws directly in line, but the perfectly lined up screws made one of the frames tilt to the left. So I moved the screw, and it titled to the right. I kept moving it until both frames were straight and aligned. And even with all that work, the top one still swings if touched.<br /><br /><br />The math? Two frames hung, two holes being used, four holes lurking behind the art, which I'll have to putty and paint if I ever redecorate the room or we decide to move.<br /><br />I have learned that I get a lot less frustrated if I just accept that this happens to me, and go into the project knowing I'll be creating a lot of holes. It helps that I'm going to put off the other side for a few more days.<br /><br />Meanwhile, elsewhere at the ranch, I have relocated a photo gallery wall to a large staircase wall and ledge I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAGkDHZ5umI/AAAAAAAAAKo/iJD2M6SjVy0/s1600/Windows+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAGkDHZ5umI/AAAAAAAAAKo/iJD2M6SjVy0/s320/Windows+008.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAGkJMsNgAI/AAAAAAAAAK4/g1FuR6XaDB0/s1600/Windows+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAGkJMsNgAI/AAAAAAAAAK4/g1FuR6XaDB0/s320/Windows+010.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />It is a large wall, and I have a lot of pictures to go. I didn't bother laying out these beforehand, mainly because this wall will fill in as our family goes along. Everyone (mainly me) will just have to deal with part of the wall being blank until the pictures are taken and framed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAGj_vYfS-I/AAAAAAAAAKg/Y4x12NnfDw0/s1600/Windows+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAGj_vYfS-I/AAAAAAAAAKg/Y4x12NnfDw0/s320/Windows+007.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I estimate the wall being... I dunno. Twelve feet by ten? With a ledge. So... big. I might hang empty frames as I find them, and then fill in when a picture becomes available. My husband thinks my habit of doing that is hilarious. From time to time we live with the pictures of strangers that come with the frames.<br /><br />I also plan to use art and such in what is essentially a collage. That drawing in the lower left corner is by me, that wooden man was recently snapped into two by my son so was pushed further down the ledge than he will ultimately rest when my son is old enough to not toss him down the stairs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAGkLXLyJQI/AAAAAAAAALA/sPmJA2J0Mi4/s1600/Windows+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAGkLXLyJQI/AAAAAAAAALA/sPmJA2J0Mi4/s320/Windows+011.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />While I was taking these photos, two little people came up the stairs saying, "Cheese!" Of course I couldn't resist.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAGkNjUAEsI/AAAAAAAAALI/O7I_kGD-IN0/s1600/Windows+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/TAGkNjUAEsI/AAAAAAAAALI/O7I_kGD-IN0/s320/Windows+012.jpg" /></a></div><br />Nothing I put in the house compares to them and their brother.<br /><br />Have a great holiday weekend!Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-10865635208432991772010-05-28T09:45:00.000-04:002010-05-28T09:45:20.164-04:00Projects and Lions and Bears, Oh My!I believe I am skipping too many days between posts here, which is happening because I haven't had a chance to take photographs so I can illustrate what I'm talking about.<br /><br />I have a lot of projects simmering - lots to talk about. My major project is my daughter's room, but I am also collecting items for my son's room, on the lookout for a console table and low bookshelf for the living room, I'm scouting a dining room table, my office needs attention, and I need a new mirror for our entry way.<br /><br />Each of those rooms has received a new little trinket or two over the past several months, and I need to get my shutter clicking. I suppose that will be my decorating goal next week: putting it all in pictures!<br /><br />It's hard to believe that we renovated our old house and then immediately sold it. I hand picked every stone, tile, cabinet, etc., for our old kitchen (I do not think I handpicked that ground beef that's morphing into spaghetti sauce):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__GlJBp9UI/AAAAAAAAAIw/XIZn6UvL3eI/s1600/kitchen+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__GlJBp9UI/AAAAAAAAAIw/XIZn6UvL3eI/s320/kitchen+1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__Gm68hdoI/AAAAAAAAAI4/Eu-CLZTVwj0/s1600/sink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__Gm68hdoI/AAAAAAAAAI4/Eu-CLZTVwj0/s320/sink.jpg" /></a></div><br />We made our master bathroom over, turning a small space into a small retreat:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__GhLFb_oI/AAAAAAAAAIg/278brkaK2lU/s1600/bathroom+2+master.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__GhLFb_oI/AAAAAAAAAIg/278brkaK2lU/s320/bathroom+2+master.jpg" /></a></div><br />Remember what I said about my habit of taking photos of just pieces of a room? Sorry about that. Anyway, we did the same with the hall bath:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__GjWmobNI/AAAAAAAAAIo/YNuBjZRNaQ4/s1600/bathroom+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__GjWmobNI/AAAAAAAAAIo/YNuBjZRNaQ4/s320/bathroom+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's funny how we took elements out of that home and into this one, and they just don't translate seamlessly. The art in our old master bathroom is in our new master bath, but it's not singing to me. Another project.<br /><br />I once had a fully decorated living room, with little vignettes that made me happy:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__GpFTYo6I/AAAAAAAAAJA/JwWzTzuqYWg/s1600/mantel+clocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__GpFTYo6I/AAAAAAAAAJA/JwWzTzuqYWg/s320/mantel+clocks.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Then we sold that house, and bought an empty box.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__Hzgn-PrI/AAAAAAAAAJI/FH1q4js1o2g/s1600/empty+living+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__Hzgn-PrI/AAAAAAAAAJI/FH1q4js1o2g/s320/empty+living+room.jpg" /></a></div><br />That was how we found the living room - a blank slate, waiting for us to make it home. We brought in all our things and painted.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__IFBcFQnI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/yicVFcjpR4s/s1600/ry%253D400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__IFBcFQnI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/yicVFcjpR4s/s320/ry%253D400.jpg" /></a></div><br />We knew many of the things would be changing, but boy - we didn't realize how much! Toddler twins have taken that room nearly back to the blank slate. But as they get older, we are slowly bringing things back in.<br /><br />A couple other early house pics:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__IW7VOhuI/AAAAAAAAAJY/_Db-od9HHVQ/s1600/chair+in+bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__IW7VOhuI/AAAAAAAAAJY/_Db-od9HHVQ/s320/chair+in+bedroom.jpg" /></a></div><br />This table, shown in my master bathroom, has had a lot of lives in this house. It's currently my nightstand!<br /><br />The jewelry boxes below aren't arranged like this anymore:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__IY4T6rxI/AAAAAAAAAJg/tRt_4qGnVAU/s1600/jewelry+boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__IY4T6rxI/AAAAAAAAAJg/tRt_4qGnVAU/s320/jewelry+boxes.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And we've certainly taken down the Christmas garland from our first holiday season.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__IamkXqZI/AAAAAAAAAJo/tPIiWy6u0v4/s1600/christmas+garland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S__IamkXqZI/AAAAAAAAAJo/tPIiWy6u0v4/s320/christmas+garland.jpg" /></a></div><br />So here I am, knee deep in projects, hopefully a little better with the camera compared to back then, if only I get around to taking some current shots.<br /><br />Stay tuned (please!).Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-46829156246661861022010-05-19T21:10:00.001-04:002010-05-19T21:17:19.542-04:00New Kid on the BlockAt least to me.<br /><br />I love it when I receive a catalog from a store I've never heard of before. That happened today, and I'm sitting next to a happy little book from <a href="http://www.giggle.com/">Giggle</a>, a new (?) baby products retailer.<br /><br />Most of the items in the catalog are too young for my nearly two and a half year old toddlers (and are certainly inappropriate for my eighteen year old). My sister is pregnant and due in December, but I think the catalog companies all think it's me, since I'm getting baby product catalogs and free formula samples and whatnot lately. No, I am not pregnant. Yes, I am sure. No, I don't know what's up with the catalog folks who apparently have not accepted that my factory is permanently closed.<br /><br />But I digress. Giggle has some adorable ideas, that I WOULD look into if I were having a baby. Perhaps they will bring out a line of puppy items. Hmmm. For now, enjoy a few pieces of baby eye candy with me, if you will.<br /><br />All images from Giggle.com.<br /><br />First up, this crib. It's so modern and groovy (I don't get to use the word groovy that often). Looky see:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SHxu8x9LI/AAAAAAAAAHI/cT-8U2pIveQ/s1600/Alma+Crib+Open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SHxu8x9LI/AAAAAAAAAHI/cT-8U2pIveQ/s320/Alma+Crib+Open.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's smaller than a regular crib, so could be of use in a vacation home or at Grandma's house, especially considering that it folds!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SH9kc3GiI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/2ekNff0HTjI/s1600/Alma+Crib+Closed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SH9kc3GiI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/2ekNff0HTjI/s320/Alma+Crib+Closed.jpg" /></a></div><br />And it comes in cool colors:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SIEiv77dI/AAAAAAAAAHY/nN9J4sQOFRM/s1600/Alma+Crib+Green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SIEiv77dI/AAAAAAAAAHY/nN9J4sQOFRM/s320/Alma+Crib+Green.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SIISfX7XI/AAAAAAAAAHg/u7ywD8pUR-o/s1600/Alma+Crib+Taupe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SIISfX7XI/AAAAAAAAAHg/u7ywD8pUR-o/s320/Alma+Crib+Taupe.jpg" /></a></div><br />How many times have you heard someone say, "I have a taupe crib?" Exactly. Very original. Unless it's gray, and not taupe, but I have a feeling the answer is the same.<br /><br />I have always been staunchly anti-diaper pail. Well, at least staunchly against the ones that suggest you leave a poopy diaper marinating inside for up to a week and then empty it when it becomes full. Ew. I prefer to dispatch smelliness to an outdoor or garage garbage can immediately. Of course, my distaste is probably because I'd never encountered such a fun looking one:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SIo9Jl2gI/AAAAAAAAAHo/cTI3lKj1BCw/s1600/Diaper+Pail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SIo9Jl2gI/AAAAAAAAAHo/cTI3lKj1BCw/s320/Diaper+Pail.jpg" /></a></div><br />For that, I might have gotten off my high, diaper clad horse. <br /><br />Now here are a few things I could still use. Not sure if my husband will agree to get rid of our existing booster seats, which we rarely use, just so I can have fun with this one:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SI-OrPKtI/AAAAAAAAAHw/olzTYztuz04/s1600/Booster+Orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SI-OrPKtI/AAAAAAAAAHw/olzTYztuz04/s320/Booster+Orange.jpg" /></a></div><br />It doesn't hurt that it comes in orange, one of my favorite colors. And further doesn't hurt that it also comes in a crisp green, another of my favs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SJMUCIdpI/AAAAAAAAAH4/9SpThjV_XzU/s1600/Booster+Green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SJMUCIdpI/AAAAAAAAAH4/9SpThjV_XzU/s320/Booster+Green.jpg" /></a></div><br />That? That is a pretty booster seat. So modern and clean lined, too.<br /><br />I know this is a lot of pictures, but I'm not sure I can stop. I'm also loving these training pants (should my toddlers ever decide they have even the slightest interest in being potty trained):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SLS9bHXcI/AAAAAAAAAIA/O2zc68d5lus/s1600/Training+Pants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SLS9bHXcI/AAAAAAAAAIA/O2zc68d5lus/s320/Training+Pants.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SLURQ40QI/AAAAAAAAAII/8Jd0_pmSv10/s1600/Training+Pants+Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SLURQ40QI/AAAAAAAAAII/8Jd0_pmSv10/s320/Training+Pants+Blue.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And that's it. Really. Well, except for this adorable table set:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SLi5zgLbI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/TgSJlMV5cYA/s1600/Chalk+Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SLi5zgLbI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/TgSJlMV5cYA/s320/Chalk+Table.jpg" /></a></div><br />And an against the norm bassinet.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SLkzqA0nI/AAAAAAAAAIY/i8mQEjmalDc/s1600/Bassinett.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_SLkzqA0nI/AAAAAAAAAIY/i8mQEjmalDc/s320/Bassinett.jpg" /></a></div><br />I swear I've never heard of Giggle before, and I didn't receive anything to showcase these items (I only have a handful of readers, who would give me anything?). This is kind of pathetic, considering how many photos I posted, but perhaps Giggle will pay it forward one day.<br /><br />Or come read my blog. :)Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-41109035588326769292010-05-18T10:44:00.001-04:002010-05-18T10:45:15.085-04:00The Craigslist DanceI am <strike>obsessed with</strike> very fond of Craigslist.<br /><br />I check the site every day, making sure to hit three pages: Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. Occasionally I check Richmond, VA, the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Philadelphia, telling myself that for the right deal on the right piece, I'd drive (history is proving this to be a lie, however).<br /><br />I actually have a bad track record on Craigslist. I see plenty of deals, but what I tend to get in the car with is junk. Enough junk that my ultra frugal husband asked me to stop buying used items and to just spend money on something new that I would keep.<br /><br />In my defense, the items don't seem like junk when I hop in the car, but I seem to be unable to tell sellers that I don't want their wobbly table/wobbly chair/tattered younameit, and the next thing I know I'm driving back home with a piece of crap tied to my car with twine.<br /><br />I can fix this. First, I need to get a Craigslist backbone. It is not a crime to disappoint people, who know very well that their items are junk and probably howl with laughter before my tires leave their driveways. Second, I need to increase the amount of money I'm willing to spend. For some reason, I have it in my head that I need to spend $100 or less when shopping CL. There are quite a few gorgeous items on there for quite a few dollars more than $100. I'm not even sure where I got that number.<br /><br />I told my husband that I'd make a compromise. I cannot give up Craigslist, or brick and mortar thrifting, and sink wholly into the world of new retail purchases only. I think I'd break into hives. So I'll be more discriminating about what comes home from Craigslist, or The Salvation Army, or any of my varied consignment shop haunts.<br /><br />I will follow new rules.<br /><br />Rule: No buying items that do not coordinate with anything I own. In the least.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_KmN2MXbtI/AAAAAAAAAHA/mAwhnIU9qmg/s1600/3na3k13pa5O05P25X4a5haad32bc56c7d1c24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_KmN2MXbtI/AAAAAAAAAHA/mAwhnIU9qmg/s320/3na3k13pa5O05P25X4a5haad32bc56c7d1c24.jpg" /></a></div><br />I think the lines of this table are gorgeous, but the table is too small, even with a leaf, for use as the dining room table I need. It also requires refinishing, which brings me to the next rule:<br /><br />No buying what are essentially new projects until I finish a few of the projects I already have going.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_KmMfG1cBI/AAAAAAAAAG4/yU9rY5jdEns/s1600/3n63k83mc5V15W25R4a5be147ffc6205f153f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_KmMfG1cBI/AAAAAAAAAG4/yU9rY5jdEns/s320/3n63k83mc5V15W25R4a5be147ffc6205f153f.jpg" /></a></div><br />I think this sofa is amazing, but I'd want to reupholster it. Big project, and I'm not ready.<br /><br />Rule 3: Stick somewhat to a sense of style your husband can appreciate.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_KmI6HRL5I/AAAAAAAAAGo/gKDZPHM8TGE/s1600/3k13o83pa5W35U55S0a5bf12fb9b142b21cc9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_KmI6HRL5I/AAAAAAAAAGo/gKDZPHM8TGE/s320/3k13o83pa5W35U55S0a5bf12fb9b142b21cc9.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i><b>I </b></i>know that this settee is gorgeous, but it would be beyond him. Too traditional, too floral, too <i><b>too</b></i>. I do believe in mixing and matching pieces for a transitional look, but I think this piece might be too large to pull that off. If it were a chair, that would be another story.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_KmKS1T4HI/AAAAAAAAAGw/vCQL41kBEdQ/s1600/3n43oc3le5Q35W65U2a5g0311a23afbb91421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S_KmKS1T4HI/AAAAAAAAAGw/vCQL41kBEdQ/s320/3n43oc3le5Q35W65U2a5g0311a23afbb91421.jpg" /></a></div><br />Last rule: Don't procrastinate.<br /><br />This gorgeous midcentury chair (one in a set! Whoo hoo!) is unlikely to still be available after a week, which is when I'd generally get around to contacting the seller. If I wanted these chairs, I'd need to act today.<br /><br />But I don't want them. I don't think. I think I'd want a different fabric on them, and, well, see the rules above.<br /><br />Again, I'm a work in progress.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-27437936850030480892010-05-12T21:42:00.001-04:002010-05-12T21:43:38.588-04:00Nightstands For A Little GirlFor some reason, I've become fixated on having unique side tables for my daughter's bedroom, and at some point that fixation narrowed down to a desire for tray tables.<br /><br />No, I have not figured out how to keep a tray table from snapping closed on my toddler. First, I need to FIND the tables, and then will commence the worrying about the snapping closed thing.<br /><br />These tray tables have proven to be elusive. Either they are too utilitarian:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-tXJ2yC89I/AAAAAAAAAFo/jQef0GY9rlY/s1600/folding+tray+table+for+TV+dinners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-tXJ2yC89I/AAAAAAAAAFo/jQef0GY9rlY/s320/folding+tray+table+for+TV+dinners.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-tXM3r1djI/AAAAAAAAAFw/pRuv1p3hdDI/s1600/Folding-tray-table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-tXM3r1djI/AAAAAAAAAFw/pRuv1p3hdDI/s320/Folding-tray-table.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Or too fancy for a little girl:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-tXWqldRJI/AAAAAAAAAF4/RNgnQ4NDHLI/s1600/48bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-tXWqldRJI/AAAAAAAAAF4/RNgnQ4NDHLI/s320/48bg.jpg" /></a></div><br />I'm hoping to find something simple, with clean lines, in white. Unfortunately, this one is sold by a store in the United Kingdom, a place we are not even thinking of visiting until the twins can walk unaided through an airport.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-tXiJwFhnI/AAAAAAAAAGg/E6g_lE4R8SE/s1600/tray-table.jpg_e_9c53654d7f7c9c72667efde1daba6b35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-tXiJwFhnI/AAAAAAAAAGg/E6g_lE4R8SE/s320/tray-table.jpg_e_9c53654d7f7c9c72667efde1daba6b35.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Also, the sides are slightly higher than I envisioned. There are others, but they are not quite right. Too modern:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-tXbCRkO2I/AAAAAAAAAGA/dJB6qzk89T4/s1600/formosatraytablewht3qs7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-tXbCRkO2I/AAAAAAAAAGA/dJB6qzk89T4/s320/formosatraytablewht3qs7.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-tXeKG1jBI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/w6al0H5lDPo/s1600/S415-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-tXeKG1jBI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/w6al0H5lDPo/s320/S415-001.jpg" /></a></div><br />Not white (although for the perfect one, I could paint).<br /><br />The table doesn't necessarily have to fold... I like this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-tXc_6KpbI/AAAAAAAAAGI/It-HYTZ-8yE/s1600/instrument+tray+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-tXc_6KpbI/AAAAAAAAAGI/It-HYTZ-8yE/s320/instrument+tray+table.jpg" /></a></div><br />That table seems very utilitarian, too, given that it's usually in a hospital or medical office, but again, I'm envisioning it painted white, sans wheels.&nbsp; I like this one, too:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-tXfvVEWNI/AAAAAAAAAGY/XNR7Pp7Bu7s/s1600/tray+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-tXfvVEWNI/AAAAAAAAAGY/XNR7Pp7Bu7s/s320/tray+table.jpg" /></a></div><br />Again, painted white.<br /><br />The main issue with all of these, however, is that I need to buy them from a brick and mortar store, to assess the aforementioned probability of snapping closed, pinching fingers, or otherwise causing issues.<br /><br />I haven't run into it yet, but the hunt continues. I suspect that while I track down the tray tables, I will come across something else I like just as much or better, and will go with that. We'll see.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-18513912226890132282010-05-11T22:39:00.000-04:002010-05-11T22:39:25.539-04:00Think PinkOr not.<br /><br />When I went on the hunt for photographs of girl's bedrooms using strong color, I noticed an unsurprising trend: people really like pink for little girls.<br /><br />Not that I have anything against pink. In fact, I like the color, particularly when paired with orange:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-oThjGiVMI/AAAAAAAAAFY/DZdSpd_d_sg/s1600/kids-room-girls-bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-oThjGiVMI/AAAAAAAAAFY/DZdSpd_d_sg/s320/kids-room-girls-bed.jpg" /></a></div><br />That's quite a headboard, isn't it? But I digress.<br /><br />Nothing against pink, actually like it, but I do feel sorry for the little girl who doesn't care for it. It is very difficult to avoid. Google "Little Girl's Room" and you'll see what I mean.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-oTYCHRV1I/AAAAAAAAAEw/PA2ILJbFByQ/s1600/10-17+wash+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-oTYCHRV1I/AAAAAAAAAEw/PA2ILJbFByQ/s320/10-17+wash+2.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-oTbtpRyQI/AAAAAAAAAFA/lX9ThoWqWRk/s1600/GH09_kids-BR_01_wide_s4x3_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-oTbtpRyQI/AAAAAAAAAFA/lX9ThoWqWRk/s320/GH09_kids-BR_01_wide_s4x3_lg.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-oTf61wcEI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/62-BsRhnPOw/s1600/kidrooms2_SH07A256DIVINEDESIGN_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-oTf61wcEI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/62-BsRhnPOw/s320/kidrooms2_SH07A256DIVINEDESIGN_lg.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Sugar and spice and everything nice, right? Pink is definitely associated with girls. Ironically, my understanding is that pink was originally a color reserved for baby boys. Who'd have thunk it?<br /><br />My little girl's room will have little pink, however. At least to start - I'm sure it will creep in there somewhere, both because there is no way to avoid it, seemingly, and also because again: I do like the color. The main colors, however, will be yellow, green, orange, and blue, and the blues are taking their place as the second main color. The term "awash in blues" is pleasing to me, so maybe I'm subconsciously adding it in.<br /><br />Hopefully as well as some others have.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-oTjuz8RYI/AAAAAAAAAFg/RVfqqioaIqI/s1600/mj29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-oTjuz8RYI/AAAAAAAAAFg/RVfqqioaIqI/s320/mj29.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-oTZvkb5iI/AAAAAAAAAE4/UZPxFmNj3_s/s1600/floral-teen-girl-modern-bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-oTZvkb5iI/AAAAAAAAAE4/UZPxFmNj3_s/s320/floral-teen-girl-modern-bedroom.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />There's that pink again, huh?<br /><br />So we shall see.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-21741458054171538572010-05-10T09:20:00.003-04:002010-05-10T09:25:05.153-04:00I Could Do BetterOne of my hurdles when decorating a room is showing it off. Seriously - I'm a slightly less than adequate photographer, and I tend to rush through taking photographs without properly staging a room. Case in point - take a look at the windows in the main image of this blog. That's a snapshot of my dining room, and the drapery rings are all askew. I should have straightened them out, made sure they were evenly spaced, etc., but no - I just whipped out my camera and started clicking.<br /><br />I noticed this again when I went into my daughter's bedroom to take photographs of the window treatments there.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-gEqz28NII/AAAAAAAAAD4/0PzjSVbFXL0/s1600/Windows+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-gEqz28NII/AAAAAAAAAD4/0PzjSVbFXL0/s320/Windows+004.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I spent a lot of time making a decision on those panels, and hunted down the plantation shutters for days. So why wouldn't I artfully arrange them all to ensure my photograph looked as nice as I think the finished product does? That little turn on the panels, showing the lining, drives me bananas. I need to work with how they are placed on the rings so that doesn't show.&nbsp; So staging a room before photographing it will be one of the things I work on as I move through finishing my house, as will brushing up on my photography skills. I'd like to be just as pleased with the photos as I am the rooms in real life.<br /><br />Anyway, back to the windows in my daughter's room. :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-gFb45HRbI/AAAAAAAAAEI/XiJ0CVqJafI/s1600/Windows+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-gFb45HRbI/AAAAAAAAAEI/XiJ0CVqJafI/s320/Windows+006.jpg" /></a></div><br />When Pottery Barn recalled the Roman Shades because of a possible choking hazard, I went on a hunt for window blinds that literally had no strings attached. I decided on plantation shutters, and the quotes for shutters online were considerable, although not out of the question. Before I had a chance to think about that too much, I happened upon these on Craigslist (the previous owners were removing them from a child's room where they'd installed them for the same purpose I needed them). They were the perfect width, but not the perfect height, which was fine by me. The gap at the top reminded me of the old transoms above the doorways in rowhouses in Baltimore.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-gGc9bpAtI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/grM6mFjt7U0/s1600/Transom+Close-up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-gGc9bpAtI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/grM6mFjt7U0/s320/Transom+Close-up.JPG" /></a></div><br />There is a duplex in Baltimore that is our family home; my grandmother lived in it; currently my uncle and aunt share it. One day I hope to post photos of it here. It contains all the classic Baltimore rowhouse charms: transom windows in every interior and exterior doorway, stained glass exterior windows, marble front steps, gorgeous millwork. So I went with the shutters that left a gap, as a little homage to my extended family home.<br /><br />The panels were decided on with the help of a group of friends. I thought I wanted a strong pattern, but then opted for a solid since it provides more flexibility later on. My daughter is only two - I am sure as the years go on she will bring her own ideas to how the room should look, and hopefully these panels will transition as she grows.<br /><br />There are two windows in this room, and you can see a sneak peek of her big girl bed which is now fully assembled. I followed Feng Shui rules (with the help of another friend) and placed the bed against a windowless wall. We'll see how committed I am to Feng Shui and if it stays there. I also still have to decision placement of the <a href="http://canchew.blogspot.com/2010/05/art-for-little-girls-room.html">art</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-gHy5ZIPnI/AAAAAAAAAEY/ussFkUFHr8M/s1600/Picture+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-gHy5ZIPnI/AAAAAAAAAEY/ussFkUFHr8M/s320/Picture+002.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And again with the non-staged photograph, here are the two windows (with flung open shutters on one and messy blankets on the footboard of the bed):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-gEoMZ4_oI/AAAAAAAAADw/Be254whX8Ow/s1600/Windows+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-gEoMZ4_oI/AAAAAAAAADw/Be254whX8Ow/s320/Windows+003.jpg" /></a></div><br />The room is a work in progress, and so am I.<br /><br /><br /><br />.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731961093841743714.post-10177675733591093432010-05-07T09:43:00.001-04:002010-05-07T09:43:42.123-04:00So What's a Coastal Style Colonial?In my first post, I mentioned that my house is a Coastal Style Colonial. This description is actually only half of how I describe it (when I'm asked, which is generally only on decorating and design focused message boards). My house is a Coastal Style Colonial with an incomplete Charleston Entrance.<br /><br />Really. I didn't make this up. Well, mostly I didn't make it up. :)<br /><br />I came across the term Coastal Style Colonial when I started looking at different house plans in an effort to determine how our front elevation and overall curb appeal might be enhanced. What I found is that the term Coastal Style generally refers to a house that has a raised foundation and living areas situated above a pier type foundation (you know, the houses that appear to be on stilts) or that otherwise are not ground level. Very often, the living areas and kitchens of these houses are actually one floor above the bedrooms, the point being to provide the most expansive views to the public rooms of the house (you know. For the parties!).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-QWdKyIexI/AAAAAAAAADQ/1hJSEhLFlb0/s1600/l41h_p3290017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-QWdKyIexI/AAAAAAAAADQ/1hJSEhLFlb0/s320/l41h_p3290017.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-QWa5r49II/AAAAAAAAADI/6C3QGbOr_xg/s1600/marinabay-lot-63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-QWa5r49II/AAAAAAAAADI/6C3QGbOr_xg/s320/marinabay-lot-63.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-QWmXWvKgI/AAAAAAAAADY/BX--ePq6XcM/s1600/galveston-exterior-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-QWmXWvKgI/AAAAAAAAADY/BX--ePq6XcM/s320/galveston-exterior-l.jpg" /></a></div><br />In our particular house, our bedrooms are above the living areas as in a traditional home, but we have a raised foundation (as in, our basement is on the ground level and contains our entrance, the living areas and kitchen are on the second story, and bedrooms are on the third. It's a <i>tall </i>house).<br /><br />So I'm sure about the Coastal Style. What I'm iffy about is the Colonial. The exterior of my house is classic Colonial: a rectangle. The interior is anything but. Colonials generally have a center hall entry with the living and dining rooms (or some rooms) flanking the center hall. My house has a contemporary layout, but the rectangular box feel is so strong from the outside, I just go with Colonial.<br /><br />Now the Charleston entrance. Popular and named for houses in Charleston, South Carolina, a Charleston Entrance means your front door is actually on the side of the house.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-QXn0axoVI/AAAAAAAAADg/YbvkCE0SGP8/s1600/front-elevation-of-Charleston-Row-House-in-Aiken-SC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-QXn0axoVI/AAAAAAAAADg/YbvkCE0SGP8/s320/front-elevation-of-Charleston-Row-House-in-Aiken-SC.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br />With a Charleston Entrance, you generally see a faux front door that leads to a porch. Following the porch will lead you to the actual main entrance of the house.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-QX6V1uaOI/AAAAAAAAADo/7VcreMg4xLs/s1600/CharlestonHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5PnsPCuE2fw/S-QX6V1uaOI/AAAAAAAAADo/7VcreMg4xLs/s320/CharlestonHouse.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Hopefully the second photo makes it clear - the front door is actually on the side of the house, in the middle of the porch.<br /><br />I describe my entrance as a incomplete Charleston because it does not have the porch. Our front door is on the side, but the builder either ignored or was unaware of easement constraints that prevented the construction of the full porch (the porch would have to be wider than the easement from the property line allows). The previous owner, the house flipper, attempted to define the entrance by adding a portico over the door, but the portico is also in violation of the easement. Luckily we have a great next door neighbor who didn't object to granting an exception, and we paid our fine to let the portico remain standing. Our neighbor (did I mention how great he is?) has already said he won't object to the exception we'll have to apply for when and if we decide to construct the full porch.<br /><br />I'm not sure what we'll end up doing. We have to replace the siding on our house, as well as the windows, so we'll make a decision about porches or not at that time.Annapoladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01774014824759593567noreply@blogger.com1